A hospice in south Essex is set to host two special garden parties to mark its 35th anniversary.
St Luke’s Hospice, which has sites in Basildon and Thurrock, will host the events this summer and get the community involved in celebrations.
The charity was co-founded in 1990 by Trudy Westmore-Cox MBE and Les Cox, with the aim of providing compassionate end-of-life care and support for patients and their families.
Over the years, St Luke’s Hospice has expanded to offer 16 patient-facing services for those with life-limiting or palliative conditions, providing support from diagnosis and beyond.
The opening in Basildon in 1990 (Image: St Luke’s Hospice)
Eileen Marshall, CEO of St Luke’s Hospice, said: “For 35 years, St Luke’s Hospice has been a vital part of our community, offering expert, compassionate care when it’s needed most.
“As we mark this milestone, it’s a powerful reminder that the support we provide remains just as essential today as it was in 1990.
“I warmly invite everyone – those who have supported us, been touched by our care, or want to learn more about our work – to join us in celebrating our 35th anniversary.
Eileen Marshall, CEO of St Luke’s Hospice (Image: St Luke’s Hospice)
“Together, we can honour the past and look to the future with hope.”
The garden parties will be held at the hospice premises in Thurrock on Saturday, June 14, and in Basildon on Saturday, July 5.
They will feature entertainment, stalls, and ceremonial activities.
Friends, colleagues, and supporters from the past 35 years will be present to share their memories, and as part of the anniversary celebration, the hospice is also selling special ironwork sunflowers.
These will form a sunflower meadow display at the Thurrock garden party and will remain on display at the hospice until June 30.
1990 day centre staff (Image: St Luke’s Hospice)
Buyers will have the option to keep their sunflowers after this date.
The hospice is urging those interested to purchase their sunflowers promptly as the quantity available is limited.
St Luke’s Hospice, situated in south Essex, continues to provide compassionate care to individuals with incurable illnesses.
Their work, founded on the principles of compassion and support, remains as crucial today as it was when the first patient was welcomed 35 years ago.